F3 New Orleans

Tag: High Rise

  • Last Mothership Before COVID-19 Changes Everything

    Back in January, I have already heard about the Coronavirus because of my family living in Hong Kong. My father, who is still currently stuck in Hong Kong due to the travel restriction, had informed me how bad this thing is and how many people had already died in China. I knew it was somewhat serious, but I never expect it to be THIS bad where it will affect everyone of us for a very long time. Particularly, I remember my parents were in Hong Kong when SARs broke out in 2003. Because Hong Kong did a great job containing SARs, I never thought a similar highly contagious respiratory infection would hit us all the way to NOLA.

    Before City and Statewide stay-at-home mandate, we get a chance for one last Saturday beatdown. 20 PAX showed up on a beautiful morning. I gave my standard disclaimer and off we went!

    We started off with a lap around the great lawn and back to the Peristyle for our warmups in cadence:

    SSHs x 20

    Forward & Backward Arm Circles x 10 each

    Windmills x 10

    Grassgrabber x 10

    Hill Billies x 20

    Peter Parker x 15

    Mountain Climbers x 15

    Parker Peter x 15

    Part 1

    Picked a column at the Peristyle. In plank position, each Pax did hands on the wall x 20. Then did 20 right leg step ups. Then back to a column and did another 20 hands on the wall in plank position. Then back to the bench to finish with 20 left leg step ups.

    Part 2

    Walked across the street to the Great Lawn. We were using palm trees on the right as our markers. At the first tree, we started off with 1 lunge (Two is One). At the second tree, we did 2 lunges (Two is One), at the third tree, ….. all the way to the eighth tree. Then sprinted back to the very first tree and planked / waited for the Six. Then we added another layer of exercise. At the first tree, we started off with 1 lunge (Two is One) and 1 big boy sit-up. At the second tree, we did 2 lunges (Two is one) and 2 big boy sit-ups. At the third tree…. all the way to the eighth tree then sprinted back to the beginning and waited for the Six again. Final layer of exercise we added on was everyone’s favorite: burpees. At the first tree, we did 1 lunge, 1 big boy sit-up, and 1 burpee….. all the way to the eighth tree again. So in total, each PAX ponied up 108 lunges (2 is 1), 72 big boy sit-ups, and 36 burpees.

    Part 3

    We moseyed to the fountain in front of NOMA. We picked a partner and did DORA 1, 2, 3. The exercises were 100 leg raises, 200 inclined merkins, and 300 LBCs. While one pax was doing the exercise, the other partner was burpee broad-jumping towards NOMA on the flat surface and bunny hopped on the steps. Then ran back to flapjack with the partner.

    We ran back to the flag for COT. We went overtime by a minute or so. At every COT, I always mention how grateful I am able to do this with the PAX on a regular basis. F3 is a big part of my life. I do this 4 to 5 times a week. I enjoy the F2 part the most. We had our last Cafe Navarre breakfast together. Now, I still workout with few PAX in a smaller group and keeping our social distance. I’ve been running into other smaller F3 groups here and there in the gloom. I cannot wait till we can all get back together with 30 plus PAX at the WPM, Mothership, Rock City, The Skinny, Chamber of Horrors, 610 Stomps, Tsunami, The Birdcage, Foundry, Popeyes, Okwata, Stiffler’s Mom, Master Melvin, Wally Run, Uptowner, Sweaty Bells, and Renaissance. Until then, stay safe!

    King Kong

  • Off on the wrong foot

    Over a month ago I opted to sign some of the usual suspects on the Q sheet for The Chamber of Horrors and The Foundry, mostly consisting of members of the highly exclusive Lakeview Clown Car. I tried to be a good citizen and alert Holygrove Tuesday evening on Mumblechatter that he had the Q for The Foundry, in case he didn’t check the spreadsheet. In the event that he wasn’t able to/didn’t make it I would come up with a beatdown and fill in since I was the one who signed him up in the first place. However late last night Dirty Dell informed me that he was actually the Q, as I had inadvertently looked at the wrong week. Dell wasn’t able to make today despite his best intentions of having a 311-inspired beatdown. So I agreed to fill in as Q.

    All this was a precursor to the odd scene that took place outside my house at 5:15. Screw Top is the usual chauffeur for me and Shuffles for the north-side crew of the LVCC. No sign of either of them. At 5:17 I sent a text asking what was up. 5:19 I opted to just get in my car and go because I didn’t want to be late. I was glad to be joined by 9 men (Shuffles drove himself as well) at the virtual flag for what was sure to be a little bit of a different beatdown.

    Warm up:

    Mosey over to the track. Along the way to the back side of the track I called out carioca to the right, carioca to the left, butt kicks, and high knees. Circle up.

    • SSH x 20 IC
    • Windmills x 10 IC
    • Arm circle x 10 fwd/rev IC each
    • Track grabbers x 15 IC
    • Self love x 15 IC

    At this point Sheetrock who had also overslept decided to join us. Instructions were given to mosey to the pavilion by the festival grounds, sweep the 6 if needed once we get to the Children’s Museum. It was not needed as the PAX stayed tightly bunched.

    Tha Thang:

    1) Splint into 2 groups for some walk through exercises:

    • Lunge walk with a twist there and back
    • Toe Walk there
    • Heel walk back
    • Lateral monster walks there and back

    2) Crazy Indian – All 11 PAX got into balls to the wall position. First man ran around the outer edge of the pavilion until he reached the first available post and resumed balls to the wall. All remaining PAX hold balls to the wall position. Proceed like an Indian Run and once runner reached his post the next guy took off. Everyone took 1 lap around the pavilion. Much harder than I anticipated.

    3) Modified ring of fire – Everyone circle up and maintain a side plank position. One PAX performs 5 side leg raises and proceed until each member has done 5 reps and the circle was completed. 20 sec rest. Rinse and repeat to opposite side.

    4) People’s Chair and more – I feel like we hadn’t done this in a while so we did 5 versions of the People’s Chair for 30 sec each.

    • Feet flat (standard position)
    • Shift weight to ball of foot
    • Shift weight to heel
    • L Single leg
    • R Single leg

    5) Chicken Peckers – I found this on the exicon and the name alone made me want to try it. Basically it’s shoulder taps in a balls to the wall position. 15 reps IC.

    Mosey back to the virtual flag. Count off, name-o-rama, announcements, intentions, sweaty ball of man. Look forward to the next time and sorry for all the confusion on who was actually going to Q.

  • So this is 40… when do I get my old man strength?

    14 PAX posted for the Chamber on Monday, March 9 for a mostly perfect morning, little cool, little humid, mostly great anyway. YHC was born 40 years ago on Sunday, March 8, but was otherwise engaged on that day with a 10-year-old girls soccer tournament, so the celebration was moved to Monday.

    The plan was simple: cram in a decent workout and leave enough time for a quick ultimate frisbee match at the end. But Kuch, it’s dark, did you forget about daylight savings time? How are we going to see a damn frisbee? This is going to be the worst game ever. Why do you have such terrible ideas?

    Well, dear reader, never fear. I planned ahead:

    But first, the workout:

    Quick lap around the parking lot right into

    • SSHx20
    • Hill Billies x20
    • Windmillsx10
    • Mountain climbersx10
    • Something else x something

    Next, a quick tribute to 40. 40 burpees, 10 per minute, OYO. So you can take 6 seconds per burpee and do 40 slowly, or you can do 10 quickly and use the remaining 30 or so seconds to rest. Your call.

    Next, we hit the tires for a preview of the Ultimate Frisbee match. We separated into 2 groups of 7, each person gets 3 flips in, and sprints to the second tree and back while the next person is flipping and so on. Team Small Tire claimed more flips; Team Manly Tire claimed more, uh, manliness. After a few rounds of each, quick Indian run to the parking lot and back.

    And finally, it was time for the Ultimate Frisbee Showdown. I’d like to say Team Manly Tire dominated, but due to about 30 dropped frisbees on the goal line, the game ended in a 3-3 draw. Some on team Small Tire suggested the referee (YHC, also a member of Team Manly Tire) might have been biased and ruled Saban out of bounds when he really scored a TD, but unfortunately for Team Small Tire, those complaints were summarily overruled. A last second score sealed the tie.

    COT, Name-o-rama, and prayers of thanks for good health and for comfort and grace for those of us waging our own private battles. I know I’m healthier at 40 than I was at 30, and I know that’s because of F3, so as always, I’m truly thankful for all of you who push me to be better. – Kuch

  • And it all started with a big bang, BANG!

    On a cool and windy morning 8 men gathered on Ash Wednesday. What a better way to kick off Lent than to get a good beatdown in while still adding on miles for the Run Ranger Run tally. Disclaimer was given (sorta, got to work on that) and off we went.

    Warm up:

    Mosey over to the warm up area of the practice track and circle up.

    • SSH x 20 IC
    • Windmills x 10 IC
    • Grass grabbers x 15 IC
    • Self love x 15 IC
    • Arm circles fwd/rev x 10 each IC

    Tha Thang:

    Well today’s instructions were brief. A few months ago I was the Q for a Foundry beatdown where we did The Cooper. Well I wanted to do it again but this time I opted to up the intensity and the PAX was given the instructions on the Sheldon Cooper. Audible groans could be heard. I presume out of excitement.

    Start off with a lap around the track. Then when back at the warm-up area do 10 burpees, 10 squats, 10 merkins, and 10 big boy sit ups. Another lap around and all exercises done with 9 reps. And so on, and so on until all 10 laps were completed. Instructions were also given that if all 10 laps were completed to continue with the routine but starting back at 10 reps for the exercises until time was called. A minimum of 2.5 miles were run by all PAX.

    Gather back at the warm-up area for some stretching that was well received (this time for real).

    Mosey back to the invisible flag, count off, name-o-rama, announcements, intentions, and COT. Looking forward to the next time.

  • I once was lost, but now am Found(ry)

    I once was lost, but now am Found(ry). This statement technically makes no sense, but I liked the way it sounded so I decided to use it as the name for the Backblast. With that being said, here’s how things went down:

    WarmUp:

    • Jog to Noma, then we did:
    • Side straddle hops – 15 in cadence
    • Mountain climbers – 15 in cadence
    • Concrete Grabbers – 15 in cadence
    • Windmills – 15 in cadence
    • Self love

    The Thang:

    • Jog to Peristyle, then we did:
    • Merkins – 30 in cadence
    • LBC’s – 30 in cadence
    • Low slow squats – 30 in cadence
    • Calf raises – 30 in cadence
    • Dips – 30 in cadence
    • Jog back to flag, then we did:
    • Rocky Balboas – 30 in cadence
    • Plankjacks – 30 in cadence
    • Floyd Mayweathers – 30 in cadence
    • Burpees – 10 on your own

    After that, we did some static stretching, count-off, name-o-rama, announcements & intentions. Thanks for the opportunity to lead, fellas. I always enjoy it!

  • Rainy, Windy, and Gaseous

    Despite the weather 8 brave souls made it out to Okwata. PAX ran across lakeshore dr closer to the water to get a quick warm up in. Started off with SSH x 20, 30 secs. of high knees, Squats x 20, Annie’s x 20 (new on the menu…for us at least), arm circles, merkins x 20. Mosied back across the street towards the Mardi Gras fountain and got 4 teams of 2. Teams split a workout of Burpees x 50, Goblin humpers x 100, Peter Parker x 150, Merkins x 200, Imperial walkers x 250. One man does the workout while one man runs a lap around the fountain then switched roles. Once all 4 teams were finished with imperial walkers Q advised the PAX to get on their six and bust out Penguins x 300 in cadence. After 150, Q decided to use the remaining 150 on Hello Dollies x 50, Flutter kicks x 50 and finished it off with a HolyGrove choice of some ab busting “V” deal that left the PAX feeling the burn. With a few minutes remaining everyone ran back to the flag for count-o-rama, etc. CoT was especially important on this day. Q took this opportunity to thank his brothers and HIM for continued thoughts and prayers during this current time. We all have been or know someone going through rough times whether its with a family member, job, or anything in between. Let’s not ever underestimate how powerful it is when we stand behind our brothers in their time of hardship. AMEN!

  • Time Trials at the Stomp

    Since we do all this damn running anyway, we might as well see how we’re doing, right? There is some good research that suggests setting real goals and regularly tracking progress increases our chances for success. So let’s do it. Today: a 5k

    Of course, there is also the matter of a beautiful hammer adorned in freedom and f3 stickers that we would like to hang on to. Perhaps the “men of the Wally run” or the weekend crew will actually bring it out to the Stomp for all to enjoy next time.

    In no particular order, here are the times submitted to me and a list of the PAX who have not submitted a time yet, in the event they decide to:

    1. Shuffles: 18:47
    2. Briefs 24:57
    3. High Rise 28:37
    4. Jesus Juice 24:58
    5. Rev Sox 26:06
    6. Shorty: 25:24
    7. Kuch: 24:55
    8. Da Parish 29:56
    9. Boo Boo 29:10
    10. Belloq 24:05
    11. Rudy 24:10
    12. Catfish 21:20
    13. Screwtop 22:07
    14. Blowfish 28:30
    15. Tool 28:30
    16. Sheetrock 23:30
    17. Tugboat 38:08 (3.04 miles)
    18. Mahatma
    19. War Eagle
    20. Bongo
    21. Breadsticks 22:07
    22. Holygrove
    23. Frac Sac

    We will revisit this challenge post RRR and see if we got any faster.

    Thanks, as always, for allowing me to lead a workout in a group full of leaders. – Kuch

  • 2 Year Anniversary – Year of the Rat – Happy CNY!

    15 PAX joined YHC on a beautiful, calm Saturday. The temp was 48 degrees F, which was perfect weather for a beatdown. Today marked YHC’s 2 year anniversary of joining F3 and was also first day of Chinese New Year (Year of the Rat). YHC gave his standard disclaimer and ran to the great lawn for some warm-up exercises.

    The PAX did the following warm-up exercises in cadence:

    SSHs x 20

    Forward Arm Circles x 10

    Backward Arm Circles x 10

    Windmills x 10

    Imperial Walkers x 20

    Peter Parkers x 15

    MCs x 15

    Parker Peters x 15

    The PAX formed 2 lines in Indian Run formation and jogged from the great lawn to the track.

    At the track, the PAX circled up to do some Dirty McDeuce.

    First Set:

    Slow Merkins x 10 IC

    Squats x 20 IC

    Flutterkicks x 20 IC

    Then ran to the middle of the football field and back.

    Second Set:

    Shoulder Taps x 20 IC

    Lunges x 15 IC

    Hello Dolly x 15 IC

    Then ran to the middle of the football field and back.

    Third Set:

    Burpees x 10 OYO

    Jump Squats x 15 OYO

    LBC’s x 20 IC

    Then ran to the middle of the football field and back.

    The PAX formed 2 lines again in Indian Run formation and moseyed to the fountain in front of NOMA. Each PAX partnered up for Dora 1, 2, 3.

    DORA 1, 2, 3

    100 Step-ups – while one PAX was doing the step-ups, the other PAX was Rat Crawling (thanks to Popalock for reminding the Q to stick with the Year of the Rat theme) instead of Bear Crawling from the fountain to the 2nd set of the steps in front of NOMA and back.

    200 declined shoulder taps – while one PAX was doing the shoulder taps, the other PAX was lunge walking from the fountain to the 2nd set of steps in front of NOMA and back.

    300 LBCs – while one PAX was doing LBC’s, the other PAX was bunny hopping the same distance as above and back. Flap Jack until all exercises were completed.

    SPRINT

    Upon completion – Picked a different partner and went to the field next to NOMA. Each PAX lined up by the first tree.

    First Set:

    One PAX sprint to the 4th tree and did 5 hand-release merkins and sprint back and tagged his partner. Flap jack until each PAX did 3 rounds of the sprint.

    Second Set:

    One PAX sprint to the 4th tree and did 10 SSHs and sprint back. Flap jack until each PAX did 3 rounds of the sprint.

    The PAX then moseyed back to the flag. Everyone ended the day with a 2 min plank (1 minute in high plank and the final minute in low plank).

    COT. I am very grateful to be able to workout with the PAX on a regular basis. I never take it for granted the fact that I am able to attend F3 workouts 2 years straight. I hope to do this for a very long time. SYITG.

    King Kong

  • Its 40, not 400

    A few weeks ago, YHC saw a backblast referencing a “traditional Okwata workout” that involved the levee and some exercises. As the children’s game of telephone illustrates, as word gets passed from one PAX to another, sometimes the message gets tweaked as it gets passed along. And looking at the calendar, YHC realized it had been exactly 1 full year since some brave okwata souls (looking at you JV, FracSac, mmmBop and Surge) survived a freezing cold day for the last (and 6th) running of the 40. A whole new troupe of PAX has arrived since then and had never had the pleasure of listening to me babble aimlessly while running back and forth and back and forth over the levee. So – lets do it!

    Quick disclaimer (actually, upon reflection – I think I forgot the disclaimer), then off. Breadsticks, speaking on behalf of all of Lakeview, pleaded to steer clear of the grass and the ants. YHC, speaking on behalf of YHC, thought for a minute and led the PAX to the grass, ants and levee. (Fortunately – I think the ants were sleeping).

    Circle up for SSH, IW, and some stretching to get warmed up. Then explain the background and premise. Background – inspired by U2 “40” which YHC still claims is the best closing song for a concert ever. The PAX, led by Kuch, wondered who this “U2” was, and claim never to have heard such a song. Kids today. But – we’re going over the levee 40 times. 10 exercises, each in 4 sets – going over the levee between each set. 40 trips over the levee, 40 exercise sets.

    And the best part – YHC gets to throw in 40 Facts and Figures. And to clarify for Ya Mom’n’Dem: YHC does not vouch for the accuracy of any said facts and figures. All have been googled, and located on at least one website. So there’s that.

    Today’s 10 exercises:

    Irish Jackasses: Thanks, Screw Top, for a nice new addition! These really suck when combined with running over a levee. Maybe next time, ST ought to show up.

    Cross Fit Merkins: Or Clap merkins, for those (Shuffles) who thing Cross Fit is for sissies.

    Big Boy Situps: Jingle Vader notices that YHC was doing these in the downhill direction on the first set. Noted, and corrected.

    Bobby Hurleys (Or Squat Jumps for those who don’t know who Bobby Hurley is, which apparently is most of the LVCC)

    Low Country Crabs: If only Yankee ever made it to Okwata

    Shuffles, a 20 count por favor

    Box Cutters: YHC kept plenty of distance from Triple Shift. That’s a longer story for yet another day. Jingle Vader plays the role of Triple Shift (again) in critiquing the shape of YHC’s boxes.

    Imperial Squat Walker: PAX stage a revolt, so YHC caves and lowers the count from 10 IC to 5 IC (10 Squats) out of fear. Still plenty of squats to burn the calves

    Catalina Wine Mixers: Way out in front, YHC saw Holy Grove and Triple Shift absolutely killing it. YHC was happy to be able to stay in front of Shorty, though. Maybe if Shorty showed up a little more regularly.

    American Hammer: Shorty and Surge thankful to get one useful fact for the day, as we talked about Hulk Hogan vs Iron Sheik (HH was Bacchus 40)

    8 Count Body Builders: JV chooses this exercise to round out the day.

    Finish at 6:14. Sheetrock does his best SOGO impression and finds a pothole on the run back to the flag – but keeps his balance and lives to fight another day. 5 Burpees OYO

    Circle up at the end. RRR coming soon, find a team and get signed up. Run. Run. Run. Prayers offered – we remember all of those intentions then finish with Psalm 40 (the inspiration behind the inspiration)

    Thanks for letting me lead, and until the next 40!

  • 1 Year Anniversary

    My how time flies. I have been getting up to workout at 5:30 3-4 times a week for 1 whole year. It was a major lifestyle change and I could not be more appreciative for my boy YaMomAnEm getting me out here and off my lazy butt. 16 men joined me at The Foundry for what I hoped would be a fun filled and full body beatdown. Disclaimer was given and off we moseyed to the track.

    Warm Up:

    • SSH x 20 IC
    • Windmills x 10 IC
    • Self love x 15 IC
    • Track grabbers x 15 IC
    • Arm circles x 10 each fwd/rev IC

    Thang #1:

    The previous night I, along with multiple members of F3, attended the Lakeview Civic Improvement Association meeting regarding all the crime that has been going on in the city. In honor of this we split into 2 lines and did a Prisoner Indian Run over to the cement cylinders outside of the Children’s Museum. Here is where we spread out to perform Butkus. 1 minute of step ups then a 30 second rest break. 2 rounds for each leg for a total of 4 rounds.

    Thang #2:

    Mosey over to The Foundry where we split up into 6 groups of 3 (there was 1 group of 2). 6 stations consisted of:

    • Burpees (the counter)
    • Jump the snake
    • Lunges
    • Mountain climbers
    • Dips
    • Monkey bars

    First round completed with 15 burpees. 1 minute rest break. Second round completed with 10 burpees. I opted to use the monkey bars as they were originally intended and each member of their group would swing across the bars back and forth until time was called. My apologies to everyone 6 ft and taller.

    Thang #3:

    Mosey back to the warm up spot at the track and sweep the 6. Just enough time to squeeze in The Gross. 12 reps of 12 exercises. Some IC. Some not. Follow the Q’s instructions (looking at you Rudy).

    • Low slow Squats
    • Jumps (don’t let heels touch ground)
    • R side lunges
    • L side lunges
    • Floyd Mayweathers
    • Carolina Dry Docks
    • Diamond merkins
    • Nolia Clap (overhead hand claps)
    • Flutter kicks
    • Hello Dollies
    • Box Cutters
    • Freddy Mercury’s

    Mosey back to the flag. May have been 1 minute over but we’ll survive. Count off, name-o-rama, announcements, intentions, and sweaty ball of man.

    My thanks again to all the men of F3 for continuing to push me both physically with each beatdown and mentally when trying to construct the beatdowns as Q. It’s been an honor and a pleasure and I can’t wait for the next year.